West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government Responds to Demonstrations for Sumbawa Island Province Formation

The West Nusa Emba Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government is set to convene community leaders from Sumbawa Island and Lombok Island. This move is a response to recent demonstrations demanding the formation of the Sumbawa Island Province (PPS).

“We will not only invite figures from Sumbawa Island; we will also include representatives from Bima, Dompu, Sumbawa, and leaders from Lombok Island,” stated the Head of the National Unity and Politics Agency (Bakesbangpol) of NTB Province, Surya Bahari, when met at the NTB Governor’s Office on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

It is reported that the Sumbawa Island Province Expansion Alliance held simultaneous demonstrations across various locations in Sumbawa, Dompu, and Bima today. The protesters are demanding regional expansion so that Sumbawa Island becomes a new province, independent from the current NTB Province.

Surya noted the necessity of engaging with leaders from both Sumbawa and Lombok islands regarding the protesters’ demands. He added that meetings with these community figures would be scheduled once the situation becomes more conducive.

“We will look for the appropriate moment,” Surya added.

Surya assessed that the pressure to form the Sumbawa Island Province is part of public aspiration. However, he stated that the formation of new autonomous regions (DOB) must follow legitimate mechanisms.

“The formation of PPS must be in accordance with procedures, rules, and mechanisms. As long as the requirements are met, why not? But once again, the formation of new autonomous regions is a matter for the central government,” he said.

Surya encouraged the public to pursue their aspirations peacefully and to avoid provocation on social media. He alleged that many fake accounts are spreading incitement regarding the issue of the Sumbawa Island Province formation.

“For those who are fighting for this cause, please do so according to procedure. Follow the regulations. Do not disrupt public activities,” said Surya.

“We ask that there be no incitement on social media. Upon our checks, we found many fake accounts inciting the PPS issue,” he added.

Surya continued, stating that the NTB Provincial Government will not prohibit the public from expressing aspirations in public. However, he reminded protesters to maintain order and ensure that public services are not disrupted.

“We only ask that logistics vehicles or ambulances are not obstructed. Therefore, we are not prohibiting the public from expressing their aspirations,” concluded Surya.